Windows 10 to grow up, turn extra enterprise-y beginning this month

New features for businesses to roll out to Windows Insiders soon

Microsoft says features of Windows 10 for enterprises that weren't available when the OS launched in July will begin rolling out this month.

As was the case with the Windows 10 launch, subscribers to the Windows Insider program will get first crack at the late add-ons, which won't reach general availability until later in the year.

Among the new features to be trialed is Enterprise Data Protection, a system that encrypts business data on a Windows 10 machine so that it's only accessible to privileged apps. It also provides the ability to remotely wipe enterprise data without affecting the owner's personal data, for so-called BYOD scenarios.

Another upcoming arrival is Microsoft Passport for enterprise, which allows Windows 10 clients to authenticate directly with apps, servers, and websites without sending passwords.

There's also Windows Store for Business, which creates a unified Windows Store experience where employees can buy company-owned apps alongside third party apps, and allows IT admins to buy apps for their organizations in bulk.

Presumably, further tweaks and updates will also arrive with the forthcoming Windows 10 builds.

"As part of delivering Windows 10 as a service, enterprise customers can expect ongoing feature innovations that will keep them up-to-date with the latest technology and ongoing security updates for a secure experience they can trust," Microsoft said in a press release announcing its intentions.

Redmond also announced what it's calling the Surface Enterprise Initiative, which will be a series of partnerships that pair Surface Pro devices with enterprise services and support from other companies.

The first partner it has lined up is Dell, which will start selling Surface Pro tablets to customers in the US and Canada through its commercial sales organization and its online store beginning in early October. Customers in other markets will be able to buy through Dell beginning in early 2016.

Customers who buy their Microsoft fondleslabs through Dell will be able to opt for Dell-managed warranty service for up to four years, in addition to Dell's IT support, accidental damage insurance, and configuration and deployment services. ®